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LURN Research Network

Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is common in both men and women, and the incidence and prevalence increases as people age. The effects of LUTD on individuals and the nation are enormous. People with LUTD face a number of social, mental and physical health effects as a result of their symptoms, and treatments for LUTD are not very effective, have significant side-effects, and are costly. The financial burden of this disorder is expected to increase dramatically as the population ages.

In an effort to better understand the nature of the symptoms that characterize LUTD, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has established the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN). The LURN is comprised of an interdisciplinary team of researchers, study coordinators, and medical facilities at six US clinical sites and a data coordinating center (DCC). These sites are working together to improve the lives of people with LUTD.

The long term goals of LURN are to increase our understanding of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) by (1) identifying and explaining the important subtypes of patients with LUTS, (2) improving the measurement of patient experiences of LUTS by developing new patient questionnaires, and (3) disseminating data, research tools, and biological samples to research and clinical communities. Through these activities, investigators hope that their efforts will inform strategies to prevent and manage LUTS and improve patients’ lives.

The LURN is sponsored by the NIDDK, a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).